Addressing a rally in Quetta, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) district chief Maulana Abdul Rehman Rafiq, General Secretary Haji Ainullah Shams and other speakers expressed concern over the growing lawlessness in the city.
The speakers alleged that the open activities of criminal elements and armed groups had raised serious questions about the performance of the provincial government and local administration.
They claimed that armed groups operating openly in Quetta were receiving government patronage and held the authorities responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation. They said government negligence and administrative inaction had heightened insecurity among residents.
The JUI-F leaders demanded decisive action against criminal elements and called for those allegedly providing them with protection to be held accountable.
The speakers also criticised the alleged mistreatment, unnecessary restrictions and harassment of ordinary citizens at security checkpoints.
They said residents of areas including Aghbarg, Panjpai, Hanna and Nohisar were facing harassment and what they described as collective punishment in the name of counterterrorism operations.
The speakers termed such treatment unacceptable and called for measures to protect citizens’ rights while addressing security challenges.
